"Nurnberg"
Bavaria by Alicja1

The city of Nürnberg, in the German state of Bavaria, is famous for its medieval walls and ancient castle, gingerbread cookies, toy manufacturing, Gothic churches, Nürnberger bratwurst and the Christmas market. The city dates back to the year 1050 and for around 500 years, it was the unofficial capitol of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, sometimes referred to by historians as the First Reich or first German empire. The National Socialists made Nürnberg the unofficial capital of their empire, which became known as the Third Reich .

The history of Nuernberg ("nourenberg" = rocky hill) officially commences in 1050, with the release of the bondswoman Sigena from serfdom, an imperial document issued by emperor Henry III. South of the castle rocks an irregular settlement grew up. As a center of long distance trade and crafts Nuernberg flourished, charity foundations were established and the wealth provided a fantastic climate for the arts. Emperor Charles IV , who spent several months at a time in Nuernberg, decreed in the so-called "Golden Bull" in 1356 that each newly elected German emperor should hold his first Imperial Diet in Nuernberg.

In 1424 Nuernberg was designated as the location for the safe-keeping of the imperial jewels and the imperial relics. The Free Imperial City was at it's zenith.

The city, with 40 000 citizens at that time, fell into decline after the thirty year war and with the discovery of new trade routes by sea way . This "sleeping beauty sleep" lasted until the industrial age when the first German train drove from Nuernberg to Fuerth. In 1945 the "Deutschen Reiches Schaftzkästlein" ( the Treasure Chest of the German Empire) was reduced to rubble. The rebuilding program was massive and lasted a long time.

Nowadays, however, it is quite possible again to imagine the importance and power of this former "Capital of the Middle Ages": Centrally located, In the heart of this city with half a million citizens, one finds patrician homes, impressive churches, the imperial castle and a five-kilometer wall encircling the old town. Significant institutions such as the Germanische Nationalmuseum, important cultural events, international trade fairs and conventions attract millions of visitors every year. Tourism flourishes above average thanks to an excellent hotel and restaurant offer combined with a perfect transportation system, providing 40 flights and 77 IC/ICE train connections daily.

Other: * St. Martha' Church * St. Clare's Church* Church of Our Lady*Church of St. Sebaldus* St. Elisabeth's Church*St. Jacob's Church*Church of St. Giles

Fontains

The main points in the old city are the fountains:* Fountain of the Virtues *Beautiful Fountain *Goose Man Fountain * Marriage Merry-Go-Round Fountain

"Beautiful fountain" is my favorite. There is a small ring built in it. Nobody knows how it was get there. If you touch it and push it around it will bring you good luck for all year. This fountain has been construct in 1385 and 1396; Its a stone pyramid with about 40 figures.